Hull & Humber does it again – first across the start line in Durban - Media

Hull & Humber does it again – first across the start line in Durban

25 November 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 November 2007
Durban, South Africa

Leg 3 of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race is officially underway, with Hull & Humber first over the start line in Durban at 13.00 local time (11.00 GMT). They were closely followed by Qingdao, just metres behind them, and Nova Scotia. At the other end of the start line Jamaica had the edge over Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper and westernaustralia2011.com. Uniquely Singapore, Liverpool 08, Durban 2010 and Beyond followed, with New York crossing the start line four and a half minutes behind Hull & Humber.

As he and his crew made final preparations for this gruelling leg across the infamous Southern Ocean, in this 4,200-mile race to Fremantle, Western Australia, Hull & Humber’s skipper Danny Watson said, “We’re going to strive for podium position again – that’s one of our key objectives. Obviously we’re going down to an area with strong winds and that’s something that Hull & Humber and the crew seem to enjoy, so we’re looking forward to a fast, safe crossing and spending Christmas in Western Australia.”

Leaving Durban Marina this morning, the fleet sailed in formation past Wilson’s Wharf where they were serenaded by the Lady in White in an echo of the days during World War II when Perla Seidle Gibson sang to every troop ship leaving the port of Durban. They were lead out of the harbour by a strike craft from the South African Navy, Isaac Dyhoba and accompanied by a flotilla of small boats. Following another formation sail past Durban’s iconic beachfront the yachts spread out to allow the crews to prepare themselves for the battle to be first across the line.

The Clipper fleet has enjoyed a little over a week in Durban Marina, where they have been made very welcome by Point Yacht Club and neighbouring Royal Natal Yacht Club and enjoyed many of the sights and spectacles Africa’s sporting and events capital has to offer.

Durban City Manager, Dr Michael Sutcliffe said, “It’s been stunning to have the Clipper fleet here. It’s added extra colour and excitement to the city. Certainly for the yachting community this is a great event. It’s sad to see them go but we hope they’ve had fun and we look forward next time round to welcome back the Clipper team.”

During the stopover the Wilberforce Petition, a document drawing attention to the issue of modern day slavery, was signed by the His Worship the Mayor of Durban, Councillor Obed Mlaba, and the British High Commissioner in South Africa, the Right Honourable Paul Boateng. The petition is being taken around the world by a team of young people who are sailing on Hull & Humber on different legs as a tag team supported by local community partnership, ONE HULL. In Durban Paul Langham, who competed on Leg 2, handed over the document to Holly Newton who will take it to Western Australia.

A trade delegation from the Hull and Humber region also held a number of meetings in order to develop trade links with South Africa.

This leg of Clipper 07-08 is set to be the most gruelling yet, as the crews battle with towering waves and strong winds. It is also likely to be one of the most thrilling, where the matched fleet of 68-foot ocean racing yachts reach speeds of up to 30 knots as they surf down the Southern Ocean rollers.

After a week of strong winds in Durban, the yachts had to cope with light airs today, with westernaustralia2011.com making the best of the conditions, moving from sixth at the start line to third around the first mark and holding that position behind the leading pair of Hull & Humber and Qingdao around the third mark. Their progress can now be followed with the six-hourly updates on the race viewer at http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com.

The fleet is due to arrive on approximately 16 December in Fremantle, Western Australia, which has just won the right to stage the ISAF Sailing World Championship in 2011.

Berths for the next race, Clipper 09-10 are now available. For more information on applying to become a crew member, contact Clipper Ventures on +44 (0)2392 526000 or email David Cusworth, Clipper Crew Recruitment Manager at .

ENDS/

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race is 35,000 miles long and will finish in Liverpool on 5 July 2008 as part of the city’s European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations.

Clipper 07-08 route:
Liverpool - La Rochelle – Salvador da Bahia – Durban – Fremantle – Singapore –
Qingdao – Hawaii – Santa Cruz – Panama – Jamaica – New York – Nova Scotia – Cork – Liverpool

High-resolution images of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race are available for free media use at: http://www.w-w-i.com/clipper_0708_race/

For media information, interviews or photographs, please contact:

Heather Ewing, Communications Coordinator: Mobile in Durban: +27 (0) 7977 54639
Email:

or

Zoe Williamson, Communications Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Mobile in UK: +44 (0) 7793 417751 Email:

For further information about Clipper 07-08 and to register for daily media updates log on to: http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com